Materials Scientist
Salary

A Materials Scientist earns an average salary of $81,204 per year. Most people with this job move on to other positions after 20 years in this field. Experience has a moderate effect on income for this job.

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

XTotal Pay combines base annual salary or hourly wage, bonuses, profit sharing, tips, commissions, overtime pay and other forms of cash earnings, as applicable for this job. It does not include equity (stock) compensation, cash value of retirement benefits, or the value of other non-cash benefits (e.g. healthcare).

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Job Description for Materials Scientist

A variety of products - from electronic devices to appliances to prescription drugs to breakfast cereals - are constructed using hundreds or thousands of distinct elements (which themselves may be comprised of several different kinds of materials). The materials scientist examines the chemical properties of natural and man-made materials and finds ways to apply these materials to meet the needs of their company. Materials scientists work to constantly improve the materials and properties of products, using their knowledge of materials on the chemical and structural level to improve products and/or create new ones.

As with other types of scientists, materials scientists must have extensive knowledge of their field. They need to be able to correctly identify chemical and structural properties of materials and possess the creativity to apply this knowledge in ways that improve products. Materials scientists typically work in laboratories and employ highly-specialized equipment in pursuit of their goals. They must also communicate well and work effectively in teams.

Materials science is a field encompassing a plethora of different disciplines, and materials scientists often possess at least a bachelor's degrees in physics, chemistry, engineering, or a related field. Materials scientists wishing to pursue a career in research generally need to complete a master's or doctoral degree. Employment prospects may be improved for candidates who have some education in other fields such as economics, biological sciences, and mathematics.

Materials Scientist Tasks

Develop new compositions or formulas and define specifications for each.

Follow protocols to produce, test, and package products.

Directly interact with clients to demonstrate and show products.

Analyze existing materials and applications to provide solutions and testing for optimization.